Poetry As Usual

Trust The Process

On this episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast, we’re joined by members of the collective known as The Dope Poets: Imani Waweru, Storyteller Gordon, Brittany Barker, and Jerome Heka. For this special episode, they welcome their first-ever guest to the podcast: Brandon Leake. Brandon Leake is the Season 15 winner of America’s Got Talent, a seven-time Telly Award winner, a SOVAS Award winner, and an Emmy Award winner. Together, they discuss the journey of a spoken word poet, from writing a poem and sharing it at open mics to earning opportunities that come only through dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Brandon reflects on what it took to compete on and ultimately win America’s Got Talent, offering insight into the discipline and determination required to succeed at the highest level. The conversation also explores the nuances of poetry, including how it often begins as a form of personal healing, while the pressures of the industry and competition can sometimes cause artists to lose sight of their original purpose. The group discusses faith, values, and the importance of maintaining one's character in an industry that frequently tests both. Through Brandon’s story, the episode serves as a powerful testament to how far faith, talent, and hard work can take a person. Tune in to the seventh episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast.

The People vs. The Poets

On this episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast, we’re joined by members of the collective known as The Dope Poets: Imani Waweru, Storyteller Gordon, Lady Kay, King Kamayera, and Jerome Heka. Together, they discuss the evolution of the poet’s journey, which often requires navigating non-poetry spaces. The group reflects on how, before becoming poets, they were first members of a community, and how those same communities often become the first spaces where their poetry is introduced and received. They also share the different types of non-poetry spaces they have performed in and discuss some of the challenges that come with those environments, such as the lack of a microphone or microphone stand, inconvenient stage locations, and more. The conversation also explores the difference between a classic poem and a hit poem, leading to a deeper discussion about whose opinions poets should value most: their poetry peers or the larger audiences that typically engage with their work. The goal of this episode is to share perspectives on how poets can better navigate non-poetry spaces, highlight differing views on how poetry is evaluated, and examine the value of both poets and non-poets as consumers of poetry. Tune in to the sixth episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast.

Poetiquette

On this episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast, we’re joined by members of the collective known as The Dope Poets: Imani Waweru, Storyteller Gordon, Brittany Barker, King Kamayera, and Jerome Heka. Together, they discuss the relationship between a poet’s character and their talent. They explore how a poet’s intentions shape how they show up in poetry spaces, and they examine etiquette within the community, particularly when it comes to features. For example, they address issues like poets arriving late, canceling at the last minute, or failing to review information provided in advance. The goal of this episode is to share perspectives on how poets can better share space within each other whether it be at an open mic, a showcase, a feature, a workshop, and merely just in fellowship. Tune in to the fifth episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast.

This Ink Ain't Free

On this episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast, we’re joined by members of the collective known as The Dope Poets: Imani Waweru, Storyteller Gordon, King Kamayera, Lady Kay, and King Quinc. Together, they discussed intellectual property as it relates to poets performing on platforms that record their work. In particular, they explored the tension between poets owning their poems and platforms owning the recorded videos. They also examined the concept of originality as it pertains to how poets and platforms sometimes arrive at similar ideas for poems and events. Lastly, they shared their perspectives on how the poetry community can navigate situations in which platforms have exploited, taken advantage of, or otherwise harmed poets.Tune into the third episode of the Poetry As Usual Podcast.

Poetic Justice

On this episode of the Poetry As Usual podcast, we’re joined by members of the collective known as The Dope Poets: Imani Waweru, Storyteller Gordon, Brittany Barker, Lady Kay, and Jerome Heka. Together, they discuss what it means to be a poet and the responsibilities associated with that label. They explore the history of slam poetry and the ongoing debate about whether poets should be judged by fellow poets rather than randomly selected audience members. They also share their perspectives as curators, discussing what they look for when selecting poets to feature on their platforms. Additionally, they brainstorm ways to navigate situations in which someone in the poetry community alleges harm by another member of the community. The episode also introduces a new segment, “Come Outside Poet,” where each of them shares the names of poets they would like to see reemerge into the poetry scene.Tune into the third episode of the Poetry As Usual Podcast.